The Marriage Trap (22 page)

What the hell? Where had that thought come from?

Jesus, get a grip. He was an old man at thirty-four. Sure, the “hot librarian” look was a shock, but Carina was still like family and years younger. Sheltered. Innocent. She’d probably die of embarrassment if she suspected her appearance rocked his world and parts of his anatomy.

He quickly dispersed the image.

“Michael, I have some concerns about my place here. Maybe you can let me know what you see as my role and we can make the necessary adjustments.”

Her brother drew back in surprise. Seems like he wasn’t the only one getting used to the rational Carina Conte. “You should not worry about this,
cara
. Eventually you will take the position of CFO, but for now you will assist Max in all aspects of running La Dolce Maggie. I need you to learn all levels of the operation first. Of course, you will live with Maggie and me. I’ve set up a private suite and you may decorate it any way you’d like. When you have concerns, come to me and we will work it out.” Michael practically beamed with pride at his generous offer.

Somehow, Max suspected trouble brewing. Big trouble. He waited for the feminine temper explosion.

Carina nodded. “I see. Well, that is quite generous of you and I appreciate the offer. Unfortunately, I did not come to New York to live in my brother’s house and shadow his CEO. I have my own plans. I’m moving into Alexa’s old loft apartment this weekend. As for La Dolce Maggie, I think I’ll serve the company better in accounting and operations since that will be my permanent position. Max does not need someone distracting him from his role here.”

Max quickly snapped his mouth closed and prayed no one noticed. Where were the fireworks and family drama? Carina was a passionate, emotional young woman who never held her tongue and followed every feeling she ever had. That was why she got into so much trouble. He remembered the time she jumped out of the car to follow a stray dog into the woods and got lost.
Dios,
what a fiasco. They thought she’d been kidnapped, and had found her hours later with a filthy ball of fur in her arms in a makeshift shelter she’d constructed out of twigs and leaves. Not even a tear in sight, she’d announced her confidence in being found and walked out with that dog while her brother screamed and Max nearly passed out with relief.

Michael stared at her. “Absolutely not. You are my sister and will stay with us. New York is a scary place. As for the company, I do not need another person in the accounting department at the moment. You will learn more from Max.”

“No.” She smiled pleasantly, but her word shot through the room like a balloon pop.

“What?”

“You are not listening to me, Michael. If we can’t communicate in an adult manner, it’s not going to work out. I’ve already received two job offers in Manhattan and I haven’t given them my final decision. I want to prove my worth here, but if you continue to treat me like a little sister, I won’t be able to do my job properly. This would not be fair to anyone. Now, if you have a valid reason other than wanting Max to keep an eye on me and out of trouble, I’d like to hear it. If not, I will happily move onward with no hurt feelings.
Capisce
?”

Max prepped for the Italian temper of his friend and boss. There was one thing Michael pursued with the vigor of medieval warfare—the protection of his baby sister. His word meant law in the Conte household, passed from generations of old-school traditions. The idea of Carina suddenly challenging his decisions the moment she landed on his turf fascinated the hell out of him.

And then the world tilted on its axis.

Michael gave a brief nod. A hint of a smile touched his lips. “Very well,
cara
. I want you to stay in my home because Maggie will enjoy your company. We can show you around until you become more comfortable in your surroundings. As for the company, I know your skills exceed with figures but I need you to get training in all aspects, most especially management. Max is the only one I trust to properly hone your skills.”

Huh?

Max looked around for the cameras but found none. Carina looked pleased. “Very well, I agree that Max will be the best person. I’ve missed Maggie, too, so I’ll stay for the whole week. But then I really need to move—living with my older brother is not what I expected when I came out here. It’s time I get my own place and Alexa’s loft sounds perfect. Agreed?”

He didn’t look happy about losing the last half of the agreement, and Max waited for more negotiations.

“Agreed.”

They both grinned at each other. Who were these people?

“Now let me hit the restroom. And would you take me home? I’m exhausted and need to change.”

“Of course. We are having a small dinner party to celebrate your arrival, but you’ll have a chance to nap.”

“Wonderful.” She gracefully rose from the chair and stopped in front of him. “Thank you for the tour, Max. I will see you tonight.”

He nodded, still dumbstruck at the civil meeting he’d just witnessed. She left the room and he stared at his boss. “What the hell was that about? Why aren’t you laying down the law like you always do? And what happened to her? She hasn’t cried or gotten upset once since she’s arrived.”

Michael waved his hand in the air and shrugged on his suit jacket. “Maggie convinced me she needs to be respected as an individual in order to make her own decisions. Do I hate it?
Si
. But she’s a grown-up now, and needs to find her own way.” His eyes shadowed. “I am her brother, not her papa. But I appreciate you keeping an eye on her
, mi amico
. I trust you to keep her safe and help her learn what she needs in order to run this company.”

Unease slithered down his spine. “Run the company?”

Michael laughed. “Of course. She is a Conte and will one day take the full reigns of La Dolce Maggie. That is what we are training her for.”

He stared up at his friend and coldness seeped into his chest. Would he ever truly feel like family and good enough to own a portion of the business? Was he being selfish or ungrateful? They’d built La Dolce Maggie together, but in his gut, Max knew he was replaceable. Contracts broke or dissolved. Carina may be appointed CFO, but she would also own a portion of the company. Why did he always feel the need to fight harder to truly belong? Sure, his asshole father took off, but the constant struggle of worthiness was getting weary.

“I shall see you at seven tonight. Thanks, Max.”

The door shut behind him.

Max was left in the room with silence. With memories. And with a sick feeling in his gut that never seemed to go away.

Also by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Bargain

Gallery Books

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2012 by Jennifer Probst

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First Gallery Books trade paperback edition October 2012

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ISBN 978-1-4711-2611-6

ISBN 978-1-4711-2612-3 (ebook)